The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has withdrawn its order requiring smartphone manufacturers to preinstall the state-owned Sanchar Saathi app, following privacy and surveillance concerns. The Ministry of Communications stated that due to the app’s growing acceptance, pre-installation on new and old phones will no longer be mandatory. Initially, the November 28 order mandated manufacturers to preload the app, which cannot be disabled, allowing users to report fraudulent calls, messages, and stolen phones. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized the government’s willingness to revise the order based on feedback and assured that no surveillance or snooping would occur.